Q&A for How to Do Screen Printing on Fabric

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Can I do digital printing on fabrics?

Peggy Carlton
Crafting Expert
Peggy Carlton is a Leather Expert based in Tacoma, WA. In 2005, she founded PeggySueAlso Leather, a cutting edge leather seller and one of the largest sellers on Etsy. PeggySueAlso Leather buys from some of the largest and best tanneries in the world, and were the first to offer more niche sizes to support a wider range of clients from shoe makers, to earring makers, to bag makers, and more. PeggySueAlso Leather carries around 165,000 sq ft of leather in stock, with unique offerings like digitally printed leather and custom orders.

Peggy Carlton

Crafting Expert

Expert Answer

Yes! Digital printing is the latest method in fabric printing; this method is also the best way to get vibrant, detailed designs. Unlike the conventional method of screen printing, digital printing places the design right on the fabric with the help of a special kind of inkjet printer. That works pretty well on many types of materials—from natural fibers like cotton to synthetic types of polyester. Digital is now becoming more popular because it allows for complex, multi-colored patterns without needing separate screens for each color, making it more efficient for small batches or custom work. Just keep in mind that the type of fabric and the type of ink used can affect the final result, so it’s important to choose compatible materials for the best outcome.

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Question

What type of ink should I use to screen print on fabric?

Community Answer

Direct permanent screen printing ink or fabric paint.

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What is the best type of squeegee?

Community Answer

It depends on what color ink you're using, but a 70 squeegee is good for most. They are generally green in color. It will bend under the pressure of your hand gripping it, but only a little.

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How environmentally-friendly is screen-printing ink?

Community Answer

Water-based inks aren’t too bad, but plastisol contains dangerous solvents that are “burned off” during the heat-curing process. This is what plastisol is generally not used on children’s garments, given that young children tend to explore with their mouths and there is always a risk of some solvent remaining on the garment. These days there are eco-friendly versions of most other products needed for screen-printing.

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What kind of mesh and ink will be used?

Harshdeep Singh

Community Answer

Mesh is nylon, and ink can be fevicryl acrylics colors. You can visit a local shop to buy all of these.

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Does this work on black fabric? How do you screen print on black fabric?

Warren

Top Answerer

The fabric color doesn't matter. It works the same on any color fabric. Just use a light ink color on dark fabric.

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How do I get my designs onto the transparency? If no transparencies are available, what should I do?

Warren

Top Answerer

Blank transparency sheets are sold at office-supply stores and online. You print the designs on them using a printer.

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